Ben Simmons has been in the news a lot over the past few seasons but it is not for the reasons he wants. After “the process” started showing glimpses of failure in Philadelphia, Ben Simmons forced his way out. The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers made a blockbuster trade sending Ben Simmons to the Nets and James Harden to the 76ers. Ben Simmons is not just known for his defensive presence. He is also known for his inability to shoot the ball. Fans often wonder what the conversation would be if Simmons developed his shot.
The Simulation
For this simulation, I am going to give Ben Simmons Stephen Curry’s shooting ability and simulate a season. Simmons’s defense paired with Curry’s insane shooting ability could be a huge threat. Especially having this player paired with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. I will stop the simulation throughout the season to check different stats and happenings around the league.
Ben Simmons’s Shooting Ratings:
Mid Range: 43 -> 99
3-Point Shot: 58 -> 99
Overall Rating: 86 -> 89
Nets Starting Lineup:
PG: Ben Simmons
SG: Kyrie Irving
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Nicolas Claxton
C: Andre Drummond
Simulation to the All-Star Break
I simulated the season up to the All-Star break and this is what happened:
Simmons’s Rating:
89 -> 93
Record:
49-11 (1st in the East)
Season Awards:
Player of the Week 3x
All-Star Participation:
All-Star Starter
Award Race:
2nd in MVP voting
3rd in Defensive Player of the Year voting
Ben Simmons’s Stats:
19.8 pts, 8.1 reb, 10.1 ast, 2.7 stl, 52 FG%, 45 3P%, 100 FT% (200/200)
Simulation to the Playoffs
Next, I simulated to the end of the regular season. Here is what happened.
I simulated the season up to the All-Star break and this is what happened:
Simmons’s Rating:
Stayed at 93
Record:
68-14 (1st in the East)
Season Awards:
Player of the Week 4x
Player of the Month 1x
All-NBA 1st Team
All-Defensive 1st Team
Awards Won:
Won MVP
Ben Simmons’s Stats:
19.9 pts, 8.2 reb, 10.3 ast, 2.5 stl, 53 FG%, 45 3P%, 100 FT% (262/262)
Playoffs
Round 1: Brooklyn (1) vs. Chicago (8) = Brooklyn Wins (4-0)
Round 2: Brooklyn (1) vs. Atlanta (5) = Brooklyn Wins (4-2)
Round 3: Brooklyn (1) vs. Milwaukee (2) = Brooklyn Wins (4-1)
NBA FINALS
Brooklyn Nets (1) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (2)
Game 1: Nets Win (140 – 124)
Ben Simmons: 24 pts, 9 reb, 13 ast, 3 stl, 7-10 FG, 1-4 3PT
Game 2: Clippers Win (128 – 133)
Ben Simmons: 22 pts, 8 reb, 9 ast, 2 stl, 9-16 FG, 2-9 3PT
Game 3: Clippers Win (117 – 127)
Ben Simmons: 7 pts, 12 reb, 13 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk, 2-5 FG, 1-3 3PT
Game 4: Clippers Win (116 – 121)
Ben Simmons: 9 pts, 10 reb, 9 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk, 4-11 FG, 1-5 3PT
Game 5: Clippers Win (126 – 127)
Ben Simmons: 23 pts, 13 reb, 8 ast, 1 stl, 7-15 FG, 3-9 3PT
Conclusion
It is safe to say that the NBA would be in trouble if Ben Simmons were able to develop his jump shot. In this simulation the pairing of Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant was deadly. Even though they lost in the NBA Finals to the Clippers in five games, Brooklyn was a scary team. Would Ben Simmons be a top 10 player in the league if he could shoot?
